BYU basketball: Junior college prospect commits to the Cougars

By Brandon Gurney , Deseret News

Published: Sunday, Aug. 2 2015 1:07 p.m. MDT

Skyler Halford is a self-described "combo guard" who averages 17.6 points per game this season. (Halford family)

TAYLORSVILLE — BYU basketball received a commit from Salt Lake Community College’s Skyler Halford Monday night. Halford is a 6-foot-1 self-described “combo guard” who is averaging 17.6 points per game this season.

“BYU fits me and how I play,” Halford said about his commitment. “I really like the coaches there, I’m LDS, so it fits with who I am socially, and I’m just so excited to have the opportunity to play there.”

Halford hails from Timpanogos High School and received a preferred walk-on spot at Utah State prior to serving an LDS mission to Brazil. He redshirted his one season at Utah State, but credits Aggie coach Stew Morrill for his development as a player.

“I wouldn’t be the player I am right now without everything I learned from Coach Morrill,” he said. “He’s a great coach, and I just know so much more on how to play the game and about maximizing my abilities after being in his program for a year.”

Utah State wasn’t able to secure a spot for him following his mission, which led him to Salt Lake Community College. In his two years at SLCC, Halford has proven to be a prolific scorer who can beat a defense from the perimeter and by taking it to the hoop.

BYU coaches took note of his improvements starting last December and kept close tabs on him since. Halford also received interest from such schools as Seton Hall, UNLV and Utah State and received offers from Hawaii, Idaho, Idaho State, San Diego and Portland.

When BYU offered, however, he decided to cut the recruiting process short and commit to coach Dave Rose and his staff.

“I always cheered for BYU growing up, and my mom went there, so yeah, I guess you could say I’ve always wanted to play there,” Halford said. “I always thought I’d go back to Utah State eventually, but when BYU offered, it changed things and I’m very grateful to have the opportunity. I prayed about my decision and thought about it and just felt strongly that BYU was where I needed to be.”

Halford will have just two years of eligibility and plans to make an immediate impact next season.

“I just want to help out where I can,” he said. “I plan on working as hard as I ever have in the offseason so I can live up to the offer BYU gave me. It’s a huge honor to be wanted by a program like BYU, and my goal is to live up to the expectation that comes with getting an offer from the coaches there.”